THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, August 17, 1996             TAG: 9608170281
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
                                            LENGTH:   22 lines

OILER KALAMAZOO DECOMMISSIONED, LEAVES NORFOLK FOR INACTIVE FLEET

The replenishment oiler Kalamazoo was retired Friday after 23 years

of serving the fleet. From bullets to butter, the ship and its crew

of 420 supplied a generation of Atlantic Fleet ships, plus those in

the Mediterranean. At right: The crew disembarks for the last time

at the decommissioning ceremony at which the guest speaker was

retired Pacific Fleet Command Master Chief George Ingram, a former

crew member. Below: Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Payne, left,

Petty Officer Jason Jacob, center, and Petty Officer 3rd Class

Antonio Garcia view the festivities. The ship, last commanded by

Capt. Joseph P. Avveduti Jr., will be towed to Philadelphia to join

the inactive fleet.

KEYWORDS: DECOMMISSIONING U.S.S. KALAMAZOO by CNB